The Bali-Glasgow Filmmaker Exchange is a residency programme for Indonesian and Scottish filmmakers, made possible with the support of the British Council Connections Through Culture (CTC) grant programme. Connections Through Culture was introduced by the British Council in the UK and East Asia to foster international collaborations through arts and culture.
This exchange programme initiates creative dialogue around environmental sustainability, social change and empowerment between Glasgow Short Film Festival and Minikino (Bali), through an exchange of short films, filmmaker residencies, and workshops at each other’s festivals. Each partner will host screening programmes and filmmakers from the other’s country, offering residencies that include community workshops, masterclasses, and connections with local production networks. The project aims to build common ground around shared challenges and develop plans for long-term collaboration focused on social change and inclusion.
BALI FILMMAKER RESIDENCY, 11-27 SEPTEMBER 2025
Following the Scottish residency for an Indonesian filmmaker in March 2025, we are inviting applications from Scotland-based filmmakers for the Bali residency, which will take place during and immediately following Minikino Film Week (12-19 September). We are looking for one filmmaker working in any discipline or genre, who demonstrates a commitment to addressing social challenges and promoting inclusion through their work. The residency is intended for a filmmaker or audio-visual artist who is open to cultural immersion – someone keen to explore a new environment, engage with the local community, and respond creatively to Bali’s diverse landscape and traditions.
What the residency provides
Time and space in a very different cultural environmental and landscape to reflect and work on your own projects
Travel costs from Scotland to Bali, up to a maximum of £1,050 including visa costs
Accommodation in Denpasar and in a Northern Bali village stay
Per diems of £40/day (Rupiah equivalent)
All other incidentals, local travel and living expenses are the responsibility of the participant. The participant is responsible for their own travel insurance. Applicants must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after September 2025.
Applicants must be over 21 year old.
Applicants must have completed at least two short films that have been publicly screened in a festival context.
Filmmakers with accessibility needs are welcome to apply. We do not ask for details of accessibility needs at application stage.
What is expected of the participant
There is no specific output required from the residency, this is an opportunity to develop your own thinking, practice or projects in a new environment at your own pace. However, we propose one public sharing or presentation session during your time in Bali. This might be the presentation of a previous film, as part of a GSFF-curated programme of Scottish shorts, or in a workshop or masterclass context during Minikino Film Week, to be agreed with the GSFF and Minikino teams. We will also require you to deliver a short report of your experience, whether written or audio-visual, that we can publish online following the residency.
We are holding a webinar to introduce the residency on Wednesday 28 May at 11.00.
All are welcome to hear more about the programme and put questions to the GSFF and Minikino teams prior to application. Please register here before 10.30 on Wed 28 May.
Timeline
Friday 16 May Open Call
Wednesday 28 May 11:00 Webinar introduction to Bali-Glasgow Filmmaker Exchange
Wed 11 June 17:00 Deadline for applications
16-20 June Interview for shortlisted candidates (online)
Wed 25 June Selected participant announced
June-August Travel arrangements and visa application
Thurs 11 September Departure
Fri 12 September Arrival in Bali (DPS – I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport)
12–19 September Participation in Minikino Film Week 11, Bali International Short Film Festival
(Accommodation: hotel in Denpasar)
20-26 September Residency period
(Accommodation: MASH Denpasar + short stay in Northern Bali (Lovina or Munduk, with a visit to Pedawa Village – itinerary shaped collaboratively with selected participant)
27 September Return to Scotland
October Submit short report to GSFF
How to apply
Please fill out and submit the online application form, then send a CV and cover letter to vacancies@glasgowshort.org. Your cover letter should be no more than 1-2 pages of A4 and include:
– A short bio and summary of your filmmaking practice, including any prior experience of filmmaker residencies or workshops
– Any ways in which your work addresses challenges related to environmental sustainability, social change and/or inclusion/empowerment
– Thoughts on why this opportunity is right for you now, and what you would plan to work on during the residency if selected
Please submit the application form, CV and cover letter by 5pm on Wednesday 11 June.